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Live Cricket Score - Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd T20I

Steven Smith was in impressive form in the second T20I

Australia thrash Pakistan by 10 wickets; win series 2-0

A clinical effort by the openers - Finch (52*) and Warner (48*) has helped the hosts clinch the series comfortably. It could possibly have been 3-0, if rain wouldn't have intervened the first T20I. Sri Lanka were at the receiving end a week ago and Pakistan have been humiliated this time around. Complete performance!

Warner caught in the stands!

Warner hits a huge six against Imad Wasim as he clears the long-on fence with nonchalance, but a spectator leaps and takes an impressive catch in the stands. The fielders have turned into spectators, the spectators into fielders. Australia - 77/0 - need only 30 more in 12 overs.

Fruitful powerplay!

The Australian openers are off to yet another brisk start, just like they were in the opening encounter of the series. Finch was the aggressor earlier in the chase, but Warner is catching up now. The hosts need only 51 more off 14 overs. Should be a cakewalk for them!

Coasting along

Warner had a scare in the first over when he miscued one towards third man but it went all the way. He could have also been run out, with Imam making a fine save at backward point but the fielder couldn't effect the direct hit. Since then, it has mostly been plain sailing for Finch and Warner, as Australia look on course to seal the series.

Disappointing score

Pakistan end up with a paltry 106 for 8. Only Iftikhar stood up against a formidable Australian pace attack with a useful 47. Rest of the batsmen struggled to handle the extra pace and bounce. Starc swung the new ball to pick up a couple of scalps. Abbott and Richardson were also among the wickets. The hosts look on course for a series win.

No momentum

Oh, Pakistan just can't seem to get any kind of momentum. Imad Wasim tried to pull Abbott but the Perth bounce was too hot ton handle. He could only spoon a top-edge to deep midwicket , where Agar pouched a sharp catch.

To make matters worse, Iftikhar, the set batsman, also fell for a well-made 45 with Richardson picking up his second scalp. The short ball working for the hosts.

The slide continues

Iftikhar once again tried to prop up the innings with a flurry of boundary off Starc, but just when Pakistan looked set to up the ante, Haris threw his wicket away. The southpaw charged down the track, but Agar held it up a bit in the air and Haris could only lift it to long off.

Kushdil Shah, the debutant, didn't last long either. The visitors need Iftikhar to get a big one.

More trouble

Abbott has got a wicket too and he is delighted. He has picked up his first international wicket in five years. Imam tried one shot too many and eventually, top-edged Abbott to the square leg fielder. Three down and Pakistan in deep trouble.

Rippers!!!

Starc certainly gets the white ball to swing more consistently than the red one. It is a bit of puzzle. In the final T20 in Perth, he once again gave glimpses of his ability to bowl full and swing it late to leave Pakistan reeling. He started with a picture-perfect inswinging yorker to Azam, with the Pakistan captain just about keeping it out.

Starc soon had his man with another inswinger that was bowled full to trap Azam lbw. The Pakistan captain took the review but to no avail. He followed it up with a peach that swung like a boomerang to shatter the timber of Rizwan. Even though Haris kept out the hat-trick delivery, Pakistan are already in trouble. Meanwhile, Starc is in his zone, bowling some rippers.

Toss and teams

Australia have won the crucial toss and opted to bowl. Abbott and Stanlake have got opportunities. Meanwhile, Musa, the tearaway from Islamabad United, have been picked by Pakistan.

The track in Perth may offer more pace and bounce. For the ODI played between South Africa and Australia last year, the curator had also left a tinge of grass.

One carved over point. Another delivery ramped over the 'keeper's head. And a majestic loft over mid-off. Steven Peter Devereux Smith doesn't seem to have a willow in hand but a magic bat. The Australian mainstay continued to showcase his willowy mastery with an unbeaten 80 as Australia romped home to yet another easy victory during the summer, taking a 1-0 series lead.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have a lot of thinking to do. Babar and Ifitikhar played fine hands. However, most of the batsmen have misfired so far, with Fakhar Zaman, the opener, struggling for form. The pace attack too has been rag-tag. Pakistan may just be tempted to bring in the uncapped tearaway Musa for the crucial final game.

On the other hand, with Pat Cummins rested, Kyle Abbott or Billy Stanlake may get a game.